Newark

December 14, 2025

Last Call for Newark’s Anheuser-Busch

Growing up on the flight path of Newark Airport was always interesting. Some days the planes were so low it almost felt like you could reach out and touch them. As I started working full time and needed to travel, drivers were astonished I knew all the shortcuts to save time getting to the airport.… Continue reading

Essex County, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Anheuser-Busch, Ballantine, Beer, New Jersey, Newark, Newark Airport
December 10, 2025

For all the Right Reasons: Najee Jihad

I love to share the stories of fellow New Jerseyans who are doing their best to be a positive role model, lift up their local community, or bring light to an important issue. I’ve written about Mayor Lora, advocate for the Italian American community, Patrick O’Boyle (yeah, I know, the name), Firefighter Daniel Vasquez, and… Continue reading

Essex County, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Najee Jahad, New Jersey, Newark
November 22, 2025

Back on the Blog

I will fully admit, I’ve been off the wagon writing posts as of late. There’s been a lot going on and I would like to share the latest news. October: Italian Heritage Month October was Italian Heritage Month; a wonderful time of year that celebrates all that is wonderful about Italian Heritage! It gives us… Continue reading

Essex County, Festivals, Food, New Jersey

family, Feast of St. Gerard, gratitude, holiday, holidays, Italian American Heritage Month, Newark, St. Lucy’s Church, Thanksgiving
June 26, 2025

A True Jersey Podcast

Awhile back I blogged about a podcast I came across that was created by Jersey transplants. Let’s just say I found them less than charming. Today, I want to share a true Jersey podcast for those of us who really love our state! The Jersey Angle The Jersey Angle Podcast is hosted by Jersey journalists,… Continue reading

Exploring, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey

Brian Donohue, Ironbound, Mark Bonamo, Mother Cabrini, Newark, News 12 New Jersey, Red Bank Green, Tapinfo Newark, The Jersey Angle Podcast
May 18, 2025

Remembering Sharpe James

This week New Jersey lost a true character. Some considered famous, while others considered him infamous, and your opinion will depend on your age and your neighborhood. The 37th mayor of Newark, Sharpe James passed away on May 11th at the age of 89. Born in Florida, Mr. James’ family moved to Newark in 1940… Continue reading

Essex County, New Jersey

Columbus Homes, New Jersey, Newark, Sharpe James, St. Lucy’s Church
May 10, 2025

Upcoming Italian Heritage Events in New Jersey

I haven’t had the opportunity to post lately. It hasn’t been for lack of want, or news, or interest. It’s mainly due to a lack of energy. It is hard to believe, but almost two weeks ago, I had orthognathic surgery to address issues I developed from a fall while out fly fishing with my… Continue reading

Bergen County, Essex County, Festivals, History, Hunterdon County, Just Plain Cool, Music, New Jersey, Non-Profits, Passaic County

Arcangelo Sam Michele, Belleville, Clifton, Feast of the Madonna Del Sacro Monte, Filitalia, Italian Apostolate, Madonna della Fontana, Michael's Roscommon, New Jersey, Newark, Paisan Con, Rutherford
March 9, 2025

Remembering Detective Joseph Azcona

This is not going to be my usual post about how wonderful my beloved state is. Today I need to take a moment to remember, and pray for, Newark Detective Joseph Azcona. When I headed to bed Friday night, I had just heard about a shootout that took place in Newark and that two officers… Continue reading

Essex County, New Jersey

Detective Joseph Azcona, Newark, Newark Police, North Ward
November 9, 2024

Bakery Legend Passes

Growing up in North Jersey, we were lucky enough to have plenty of awesome food options. And of course we each have our favorite. For generations, Calandra’s Bakery ranks high on many lists. Sadly, the founder of Calandra’s, Luciano Calandra, Sr., passed away at the age of 94. Signore Calandra immigrated from Camporeale, Sicily in… Continue reading

Essex County, Food, Jersey Icon, New Jersey

Calandra’s Bakery, Camporeale, Luciano Calandra, New Jersey, Newark, Sicily
October 31, 2024

Upcoming Event at End of Italian Heritage Month

I’ll be honest, October was a terrible month. I normally look forward to October every year, as it is the perfect excuse to celebrate all that is wonderful about Italian heritage. However, that wasn’t the case for me. My Aunt had been sick for a long time. Heart issues, kidney issues, fluid buildup; it was… Continue reading

Arts, Essex County, History, New Jersey, Passaic County

Clifton, Italian American Heritage Month, Italian Genealogy Society of New Jersey, New Jersey, New Jersey history, Newark, The Italians of Newark
October 9, 2024

Italian Heritage Month: The Italian Hot Dog

Growing up in North Jersey, just a stone’s throw from Newark, a battle continues to take place that’s as old as the neighborhood of the Old First Ward – what Italian hot dog do you prefer? What is an Italian Hot Dog? Just like I’ve said countless times, I grew up with certain foods and… Continue reading

Essex County, Food, Jersey Icon, Just Plain Cool, New Jersey

Dickie Dee’s, Italian Hot Dog, Jimmy Buffs, Jimmy Racioppi, Newark